KULH2006 – Cultural theory
Course content
It is often said that our cultural background heavily affects the way we encounter and think about the world and, particularly, the way we relate to otherness. However, when we use the term ‘culture,’ we usually take it for granted, without really reflecting on what cultures really are and how they operate. Do they have a shape or a size? Do they have distinguishable edges? Are they the opposites of nature? Can only human beings have a culture? What happens when two (or multiple) cultures collide? Theories of culture can help us navigate the bewildering complexity of the term and assist us to understand the many forms cultures take and the ways cultures behave both in the past and the present.
This course offers an introduction to the foundations of cultural theory that serve as important instruments in the cultural historian’s toolbox. We will read and discuss a set of theoretical texts which offer canonical as well as novel approaches to the study of cultural phenomena, with particular attention to how to approach alterity. Additionally, we will explore how these manifold concepts of and approaches to cultures can be applied to empirical research.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you will be able to
- explain key perspectives and concepts in cultural theory
- compare and contrast how different theoretical approaches change our understanding of humans, nonhumans, and their histories
- work independently on conveying theoretical insights
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
KULH1001 – A Cultural History of Europe and KULH2003 – Fortelling og kultur
The subject requires good English-language skills.
Teaching
The teaching in this course consists of lectures and seminars.
Compulsory activity:?
- Oral qualification assignment: oral presentation, either individual or in a group
- Written qualification assignment: first draft of the semester assignment
- Oral qualification assignment: feedback on a fellow student's first draft
If you have received approval for the mandatory oral presentation and the feedback on someone else’s first draft, this is valid for the current semester and the two following fall semesters.? Approval of the compulsory draft of the term paper is only valid for the current semester. If you retake the course, you must submit a new draft in the semester in which you are taking the exam.?
You will find more information about the requirements for the compulsory assignment(s) and the submission deadline in Canvas.?
All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.?
Absence from compulsory activities:?
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.?
More information on compulsory activities at the University of Oslo:?
Access to teaching?
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.?
Examination
Term paper.
The assignment should consist of 10 pages. One standard page is approximately 2300 characters without spaces, including references. The front page and bibliography are not included in the page count.?
The topic/detailed information regarding the exam format will be announced on Canvas.?
You must submit the exam in Inspera - see guides for digital exams.?
You are personally responsible for familiarizing yourself with the requirements and deadlines for the exam.?
All compulsory activities must be completed and approved in order to take the exam.?
You can find more information about the exam on the semester page of the course.?
Language of examination
You can answer the exam in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English.
Grading scale
The course uses a grading scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading scale.
Resit an examination
If you are ill when submitting a home exam/term paper/portfolio exam or have another valid reason for not taking an exam, you can apply for a postponed submission deadline
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.